Outbreak In Broward County Raises Alarm. Did Parents Lie On Vaccination Form?
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BROWARD COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Did parents lie on a school vaccination form? That’s the question being asked after the Broward County School District announced a measles outbreak in an elementary school in Weston. Medical professionals across the region are now on alert. At least three children have tested positive.
The Broward County division of the Florida Department of Health issued this alert to BocaNewsNow.com Sunday morning:
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) is investigating multiple cases of measles that have occurred at an elementary school in Weston, Florida. DOH-Broward is continuously working with all partners, including Broward County Public Schools and local hospitals, to identify contacts that are risk at of transmission. Health care providers in the area have been notified.
Those that have received the full series of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and are highly unlikely to contract measles. Measles is highly contagious and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, with over a 90% contraction rate among susceptible contacts. Susceptible contacts at risk include those that are immunocompromised and/or those who have not received a full series of the MMR immunization.
Based on exposure timeframe, DOH-Broward is identifying susceptible contacts that may be candidates for post-exposure prophylaxis through MMR or immunoglobulin. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately eight to 14 days after exposure but can range up to 21 days. Transmission is possible four days before the rash becomes visible and four days after the rash appears.
In some cases, measles can result in severe outcomes, including pneumonia and encephalitis. If you suspect or notice any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider to receive instructions on how to safely seek medical attention without exposing other patients. Do not abruptly visit DOH-Broward or your health care provider without contacting them ahead of time.
The most prominent symptom of measles is a rash that often develops on the face and neck and can spread to the rest of the body. However, prior to this rash, symptoms of measles can include: • High fever • Cough • Runny nose • Red, watery eyes
